Hardware removal - extremity

Surgeons use hardware such as pins, plates, or screws to help fix a broken bone or to correct an abnormality in a bone. Most often, this involves bones of the legs, arms, or spine.

Later, if you have pain or other problems related to the hardware, you may have surgery to remove the hardware. This is called hardware removal surgery.

Description

For the procedure, you may be given medicine to numb the area (local anesthesia) while you are awake. Or you may be put to sleep so you do not feel anything during the surgery (general anesthesia).

Monitors will keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing during the surgery.

During the surgery, your surgeon may:

Open the original incision or use new or longer incisions to remove hardware

Remove any scar tissue that has formed over the hardware

Remove the old hardware. Sometimes, new hardware may be put in its place.

Depending on the reason for the surgery, you may have other procedures at the same time. Your surgeon may remove infected tissue if needed. If the bones have not healed, additional procedures may be done, such as a bone graft.

Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches, staples, or special glue. It will be covered with a bandage to help prevent infection.

Why the Procedure is Performed

There are several reasons why hardware is removed:

Pain from the hardware

Infection

Allergic reaction to hardware

To prevent problems with growing bones in young people

Nerve damage

Broken hardware

Bones that did not heal and join properly

You are young and your bones are still growing

Risks

Risks for any procedure that requires sedation are:

Reactions to medicine

Breathing problems

Risks for any type of surgery include:

Bleeding

Blood clot

Infection

Risks for hardware removal surgery are:

Infection

Re-fracture of the bone

Nerve damage

Before the Procedure

Before the surgery, you may have x-rays of the hardware. You also may need blood or urine tests.

You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines before your surgery.

Ask your provider which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.

If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking can slow healing.

You may be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before surgery.

After the Procedure

You should have someone drive you home after the surgery.

You will need to keep the area clean and dry. Your provider will give you instructions about wound care.

Ask your provider when it is safe to put weight on or use your limb. How long it takes to recover depends on whether you have had other procedures, such as a bone graft. Ask your provider how long it may take to heal so you can resume all your regular activities.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most people have less pain and better function after hardware removal.

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